Injury Recovery with Cole Benson

1.) What/When was your injury

On April 16th, Targhee’s closing day, I took a jump to flat. I had a complete tear of my ACL and had complex tears in the medial and lateral menisci of my right knee.

2.) How did training before and after your surgery help you physically/mentally?

After the injury my biggest concern was how I would be mentally affected by being laid up for a couple of months. I went to Wright Training a few days later and the trainers were happy to make modifications to the work outs to accommodate my injury. It felt great to still be able to get my heart rate up and sweat a little even while injured.

Physically, my core and upper body reached all time highs in strength and endurance. I was even able to continue to build strength in stability in my healthy leg.

3.) What did your training consist of?

My surgeon ordered me to not put weight on my right leg for the first two months. The trainers would take whatever workout was planned for the class and modify any portions that I couldn’t do. They had to make a lot of changes to the workouts at first. Lunges became triple crushes. Glute bridges became weighted sit ups, et cetera. Once I was able to put weight on my leg the trainers worked with my physical therapist to determine which exercises I was cleared for.

4.) How was the combination of doing PT and Strength Training beneficial for you recovery?

Physical therapy and strength training were two critical components to the way I approached my recovery. PT primarily focused on recovery from the injury while strength training focused on continuing to have the fitness level required to do the activities I love. As I progressed in my recovery I began to notice that the two components complimented each other. Core strengthening meant greater support for my lower body. Diligent physical therapy work allowed for greater strength gains in the gym.

5.) Anything in particular you liked or disliked about the recovery?

Recovery can be monotonous and boring. The trainers and my physical therapist made it fun!

6.) How do you feel now?

I am still working towards a full recovery but I am as strong as I’ve ever been.

7.) Do you feel ready for the Ski Season?

I have another couple of months before I am cleared to ski but I am confident that I’ll be more than ready by then!